Kaizer Chiefs fans have been starved of seeing Etiosa Ighodaro in full flow out on the pitch so far after an injury-blighted first campaign at Naturena, but now the powerfully-built striker, who joined Amakhosi at the beginning of last season, believes he is in the type of shape that will allow his talent to flourish.

“Last season was quite frustrating for me because of injuries,” he reflects, “but that is behind me now and I am looking forward to a great season. Hopefully, you’ll see the best of me. I am pushing myself hard to make the Club and the supporters proud.”

The 25-year-old only managed six appearances in Gold & Black last season due to fitness setbacks but feels he is now in much better physical condition to make a substantial contribution this time around.

“I really benefitted from pre-season because I didn’t play a lot last season so I needed the minutes in the practice games to build my confidence,” he reveals as he sets his sights on scoring the first of what he intends to be many goals for Chiefs.

That milestone may well be reached at Dobsonville stadium this weekend when Amakhosi entertain Siwelele in Round 5 of the Betway Premiership. Amakhosi were held to a 2-2 draw in their last outing, and will not want emerge from this fixture with anything less than a win against an opponent yet to win this season.

“Preparations are going well. We weren’t satisfied with getting only one point in our last game,” he admits, “and we are working hard to make sure we don’t slip up on Sunday.

“Siwelele play aggressively with a lot of commitment,” he continues, “so we are ready for their physicality, but we believe in ourselves and our own ability to come out on top.”

Still undefeated, Chiefs lie third in the League, with eight points after four rounds, yet remain within touching distance of the leaders. Ighodaro, though, is not too concerned with focusing on the fortunes of Amakhosi’s rivals.”

We don’t focus on how other teams are doing,” he says, “We prefer to concentrate on how we want to play and what we want to achieve. We have a very good squad and a great technical team that prepares us for whichever opponent we have to face. Our aim is always to win the next game.”

The athletic frontman has already developed an affectionate bond with the Amakhosi Faithful and expresses his gratitude for their undying loyalty, concluding, “To all Amakhosi fans. I am really happy for the support you are giving us. I really appreciate how you fill up the stadiums to get behind us and I hope you keep coming.”